In-form Demons look to tame Lions and seal play-off place
Normally Demons would be in the grip of cup fever at this time of year but, after a tumultuous first half to the season they are happy to be challenging for SuperLeague honours after two important wins over their near-neighbours, Neptune, and a spectacular victory over Ballina last weekend.
Abrakebabra Tigers, runaway leaders all season, are on course for the double following last weekend’s thrilling semi-final win over UCD/Marian and now UCC Demons are in second position with a place in the play-offs virtually assured.
Neptune were leading challengers for the second position in the conference not so long ago but those two losses to their neighbours have left them in a three-way struggle with Mustang Sally’s/St Paul’s and Merry Monk Ballina for the remaining place.
‘‘When are we ever going to get a bit of luck?’’ new coach, Stephen McCarthy, was asking. ‘‘We came so close to beating Demons both times and particularly in the last game.
‘‘I know there have been factors. Our Bosman, Pat Fitzpatrick, has been missing with a thigh injury and is still extremely doubtful for Sunday afternoon’s game against Killarney (3.15pm) at Neptune Stadium.
‘‘And Michael De Corso, too, has picked up a troublesome injury but we are hoping that he will be available
‘‘We are in something of a battle with St Paul’s for a play-off place so it is vital that we win this game.”
Merry Monk Ballina have six home games left and if they can beat Abrakebabra Tigers in Ballina tomorrow night they will be sitting pretty. The return of the evergreen dual star, Liam McHale, who figured against Lions last time out has added excitement and a bit of strength to the side.
But they face a monumental task against a Tigers side that has been reinvigorated by the return of footballers Kieran Donaghy and Micheal Quirke who played a huge part in their cup win over UCD/Marian last Sunday.
It was also a good performance from UCD/Marian who face another giant in the shape of DCU Saints on Saturday night with manager Thomas Tracey admitting a similar performance to last Sunday will be required.
‘‘Our new American Heath Sitton, performed very well last weekend against Tralee considering he arrived in Dublin on Thursday morning after a 10-hour round trip,’’ said Tracey.
UU have a busy weekend with games against DART Killester and DCU Saints and will be looking to create a late spurt after recording just one win in the opening months of their debut season in the SuperLeague. The side’s cause hasn’t been helped by the absence of Scott Summersgill, who is ruled out for the season.
DART Killester provide the opposition tomorrow night and will be in buoyant mood after dumping Hoops out of the cup last Sunday.
Ivory Coast star Arnoud Dahi suffered no reaction to playing in last weekend’s semi-final, while Tomas Varga is fully fit.
Hoops host Belfast Star tomorrow night determined to atone for their hugely-disappointing cup exit at the hands of DART in their last outing. The Dublin side have a full quota and player/coach Jonathan Reed is determined to get that winning feeling back.
Meanwhile, in Basketball Ireland’s Women’s SuperLeague, DCU Mercy will be looking to atone for the cup exit when they make the short trip to Clontarf to face DART Killester.
Tolka Rovers have a daunting test at home to Waterford Wildcats, who booked their place in the National Cup final at the weekend with a 62-60 win over DCU Mercy and UL Aughinish return to the capital for a meeting with Meteors.
